Carlos Melia global bespoke Travel Agent, Travel Blogger, Concierge, Hospitality Consultant and Wedding Planner. Member of VIRTUOSO. Has earned, after over 25 years of Mainstream and Gay Travel experience, the mote of "Little Marco Polo". Jetsetter, bon vivant curates the world of luxury travel & lifestyle by experience, one destination at the time. Associated to First in Service Travel and Tzell Travel Network. Founder of LGTNetwork﻿ - Luxury Gay Travel Network. Follow, read and share my travel experiences worldwide at www.carlosmelia.com

Tag: Relais & Châteaux

A first overnight stay at a Ryokan at Kanamean Nishitomiya by Relais & Chateaux | Kyoto, Japan | One of my all time travel bucket lists and dreams, was to stay at a traditional Japanese Ryokan. So when I planed my visit to Kyoto, I made sure that my first night would be spent at one. The one I chose was the Kanamean Nishitomiya by Relais & Chateaux, one of the ryokans which have survived in the modern surroundings of downtown Kyoto. This is the report of my overnight stay indulging in Japanese tradition of hospitality. You may see all my photos and videos from my recent trip to Japan at my Instagram @carlosmeliablogContinue reading A first overnight stay at a Ryokan at Kanamean Nishitomiya by Relais & Chateaux

A Mediterranean beach and gourmet escape to Algarve with stay at Bela Vista Hotel & Spa | Algarve, Portugal | After a week in Portugal exploring the country from North to South, it was the last night of my visit, and the best way to say farewell, was by an overnight beach and gourmet escape to the Algarve region, to indulge over Portuguese Mediterranean lifestyle. Off I went from Cascais to Algarve, a 3-hours drive connecting this two lovely – mind very different beach resorts. As we arrived to the Algarve, we checked in at the grande dame of Algarve, the Bela Vista Hotel & Spa. After my week in Portugal, I am confident to say I have become an expert in the destination and curated a portfolio of amazing local suppliers. You may see all my photos and videos at my Instagram @carlosmeliablogContinue reading A Mediterranean beach and gourmet escape to Algarve with stay at Bela Vista Hotel & Spa

Rabat transitioning from France to Fes – My week in Morocco by Relais & Châteaux | Rabat, Morocco |After an amazing and very hectic week in France for ILTM 2016 in Cannes, I was ready for my next experience and first ever – long overdue – visit to Morocco. This invitation came to me by Relais & Châteaux Africa, to sample in a week most of Morocco’s key destinations. Being this my first time, I said yes right away. Here is my journey across Morocco, from Rabat, through Fez and along the Atlas Mountains to Marrakesh and beyond. Our First stop, and port of entry was the city of Rabat, where we spend the morning and afternoon, to later head to our next destination. For more tips and recommendations, check and follow me on Instagram, to see all my minute-to-minute past/current/future post and experiences on Morocco. Continue reading Rabat transitioning from France to Fes – My week in Morocco by Relais & Châteaux

Birthday celebration at ELEVEN MADISON PARK Restaurant | New York, United States | Celebrating my 41st Birthday, last night my partner Rubin Singer, took me for a fabulous fine dinning experience out in New York. His line was, you are so jaded and you have experience almost all in terms or cuisine and hospitality, but I will yet surprise you. And so he did. 3-Michelin-starred restaurant Eleven Madison Park by Chef Daniel Humm under the Relais & Chateaux portfolio, was quite outstanding and indeed a great discovery. Continue reading Birthday celebration at ELEVEN MADISON PARK Restaurant

Do Leoni Ristorante at Londra Palace | Venice, Italy | I am confident to say that Do Leoni was, food wise, the best gourmet experience we had on our 2013 visit to Italy. Perhaps not the most striking to the eye, compared to other restaurants we tried in Rome, Tuscany and Florence, but indeed they know how to portray and carry the Relais & Châteaux heritage, by putting together a fantastic sophisticated yet casual and friendly gourmet experience. The Maitre D was outstanding. Was a pleasure to watch Samuel Baston, 1st Maitre d’Hotel Sommelier, and all his staff, work their art, which you could tell they feel beyond proud off. The ‘Do Leoni’, which renders homage to the symbols of England and Venice, is the pride of the Londra Palace, and outside guests are also welcome. Continue reading Do Leoni Ristorante at Londra Palace

Relais Borgo Santo Pietro Tuscany | Florence, Italy | One of the best decisions I made while curating this fabulous trip to Italy, was to choose driving from Rome to Florence, over taking the train. It took us approx. four hours and a half, door-to-door from our hotel in Rome, The First Hotel (which BTW was lovely, and I will blog about soon) to our new hotel the very lovely Villa San Michele by Orient-Express in Fiesole, up on the hills overlooking Florence. And the second best decision, was to stop for lunch at the uber chic Relais Borgo Santo Pietro in Tuscany. We left Rome around 10.30PM and by 1.30PM we were seated overlooking the Tuscan Valley and drinking local wine over a fantastic gourmet experience. Like someone said “There is nothing like drinking wine at La Toscana”. Continue reading Relais Borgo Santo Pietro Tuscany